Assassination of President Premadasa

The assassination of President Premadasa marked a pivotal moment in Sri Lankan politics. He was killed by a suicide bomber, an act attributed to the ongoing civil conflict in the country, which involved the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). This incident not only shocked the nation but also highlighted the severe security challenges faced by political leaders during this tumultuous period. Following his assassination, Prime Minister Dingiri Banda Wijetunga was sworn in as acting president. He was nominated to complete Premadasa's unexpired term, which was set to conclude in early January of the following year. The political landscape shifted as members of Parliament were required to vote on the succession within a month of the assassination. Notably, former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike opted not to run for the presidency due to health issues, choosing instead to remain as the opposition leader. Consequently, Wijetunga ran unopposed, which indicated a lack of viable candidates and underscored the political instability in the aftermath of Premadasa's death. This transition of power was crucial as it set the stage for subsequent political developments in Sri Lanka, including efforts to address the ongoing conflict and the challenges of governance in a divided society.